Unwinding machine



UNWINDING MACHINE Filed oct. 2, 1940' 2 sheets-sheet 1 g Y Nmm INVENT OR. v

- 5mn/v W LTER Usar BY WM HTToRA/FY July 22, 1941. H. w. GILBERT UNWINDING MACHINE Filed Oct. 2, 1940 2 Sheets-Slieet 2 Patented July 22, 1941 risN n 'r erica UNWINDIN G MACHINE Application October 2, 1940, Serial No. 359,352

14 claims. (ci. 242-68) This invention relates to newy and useful improvements in unwinding machines. This ap-v plication is a continuation-impart of my Patent No, 2,220,230, granted on November 5, 1940, for an unwindlng machine.

This invention proposes an unwinding machine which is characterized by -a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-circular top edges, and connected together in a unit with several tubes, and supporting end wall members in a certain way, which in turn are arranged to support a rod for 'supporting a roll of cloth.

More specifically lthe invention proposes to provide each end wall lmember with connector rods which extend into the tube-s joining .together the side supports in a certain way, so that the unwinding machine may be extended or contracted as desired, to accommodate rolls of cloth of diierent Widths.

Still further the invention proposes to mount the rod for supporting the roll of cloth, in a certain way upon :the end wall membera'which way is characterized by the fact that'the rod may be disengaged from one Iof the end wall mem- 5 v bers and then swung forwards or rearwards so that the roll of .cloth may be conveniently mounted thereon and removed as desired.

Another object of the invention resides in the novel arrangement by which the connector rods;- may be clamped in various extended Vpositions from the tubes to fix the Width of the unwinding machine to a size best capable of accommodating a roll of cloth of a speci-c width.

As another object lof this invention it is proi.;

posed to provide means for holding theconnector rods in their fully extended positions to prevent their complete disengagement from the tubes when rthe unwinding machine is extended to its full width.

Still further the invention proposes .theconstruction of an unwinding mach-ine as mentioned which is simple and durable and which may be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention,

andJ of the objects and advantages thereohreference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the Iappend- Fig. 2 is an end elevational view of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of line 2%2 thereof.

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of Fig 1 looking in the direction of the line 3-3vthereof- Fig. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional View taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a certain U- shaped member used in the device.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational View of an unwinding machine constructed in accordance with lanother form of Ithis invention.'

Fig. 7 .is a fragmentary enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Fig. 6.

Fig. Bis a sectional view similar to Fig. 7 but illustrating the parts in a different position. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional View taken [on the line lll-l0 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 1'1 is :a fragmentary vertical sectional View taken on the line l-l-Il of Fig. 10.

.Fig 12 is a fragmentary enlarged end elevatlonal view looking in the direction of the line I2-I2 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 13 is a, fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the line l3-I 3 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary vertical section-al View taken on the line lll-I4 of Fig. 13.

The unwinding machine in |accordance with this invention includes 'a pair of spaced side supports l0 for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semiannulal" top edges ma. Tubes H Iare mounted between the said side supports l0 for holding -them xedly relative to each other. Each of the side supports I0 is provided with several bushing porti-ons leb through which the tubes Il extend. The end of each of the .tubes is formed with threads i2. Nuts' I3 are threadedly mounted on these threads I2 and are disposed on opposite sides of the said side supports and serve to xedly connect the tubes VIl with the said supports.

End wall members I4 and l5 extend forwards and rearwards, and are disposed` outwards of the outer faces of the said -side supports l0. Cionnector rods It are mounted on the end Wall ed claims in which the various novel features of u!) members M and l5 and slidably engage inthe tubes H for movably yconnecting the end wall members i4 and i5 with the said side supports I 0.

The end Wall member M has a vertical central portion la, and twodownwardly an-d 'outwardly extending arm portions Mb. rThese portion-s are formed with flanged edges to stiffen them. The rods I6 are connected with theend wall member I i by engaging through portions thereof. Nuts I8 threadedly engage the end portions of the rod-s I6 and abut the opposite faces of the end wall members for fixedly connecting the rods thereon, The top end of the central portion Ida of .the end wall member I4 is formed with a U-shaped element Illc. The bottom end of the central por-tion Illa rests upon the supporting counter, table or the like.

The end wall member I5 has a vertical central portion I5a which is provided with an arcuate bottom portion I 5aa having a pair of legs I5 adapted to rest on the counter, table or the like for assisting in supporting the unwinding machine. The said spaced side supports I are formed with similar leg portions I which are also adapted to rest on the counter, table or the like for supporting the unwinding machine. The end wall member I5 is also provided with a pair of downwardly and outwardly extending arm portions I5b which connect with the ends of the arcuate bottom portion I5aa. The member I5 has edge flanges for stiffening purposes. The rods I6 are mounted upon the end wall member I5 in a way similar to the connection between the rods I6 and the end wall member I4, previously described. Nuts I8 are threadedly mounted upon the rods I6 and engage opposite faces of the end wall member I5 for accomplishing the connection of these parts.

The top end of the central portion I5a is provided with an inwardly directed oiset end portion |50 upon which the U-shaped member 23 is swivelly mounted. This U-shaped member 2U is provided with a pair of upwardly and outwardly extending top faces 20a arranged on the tops of the arms thereof and adapted to guide a rod which is rested thereon to a position in between the arms of the U-shaped member. A stud 2I projects from the bottom of the U-shaped memberZD and engages through a complementary opening formed in the oiset portion I 5c. A cotter pin 22 removably engages through the bottom of the stud 2 I, see Fig. 3, and removably holds the U-shaped member 20 in position. A rod 23 for supporting a roll of cloth is rested across the U-shaped parts and Idc.

The rod 23 is provided with the usual blade 24 for engaging into the end of a roll of cloth for non-rotatively securing the roll upon the rod. The rod 23 is also provided with a reduced section 23a which is extended into the U-shaped portion Mc to rotatively connect the rod 23 with the end wall member I4. The end of the rod 23 adjacent the reduced portion 23a is provided with a handle 25 by which it may be conveniently gripped and turned when desired. 'I'he dot and dash lines 26 schematically illustrate a roll of cloth mounted on the rod 23.

Means is provided for xedly holding said connector rods IE in various positions extended from the tubes II. This means comprises wing screws 28 threadedly engaged through the bosses Ilb of the said side supports I3 and through the tubes I I and abutting the rods I6. These wing screws may be loosened to free the rods I6 and then the latter may be extended, or retracted as desired. The wing screws 28 may then be turned inwards to clamp the rods in their new positions.

In Figs. 6 to 9 inclusive, a modified form of the invention has been disclosed which distinguishes from the prior form in the fact that means has been provided for holding the connector rods I6 in their fully extended positions in a way so that they will not disengage from the side supports I0. This means includes recessed portions iSa formed immediately adjacent the inner end portions of the rods I6. Each recessed portion has a right angle shoulder I6aa and a tapered shank portion Itab. The nuts I3 which engage upon the outer ends of the tubes II are of extra length,

and are provided with end wall portions [3a which have internal circular recesses 39. A leaf spring 3| is mounted in each recess 3U. These leaf springs are xedly supported at one of their ends by fastening elements 32 engaged through the leaf springs and connecting with the material of the nut I3. Each leaf spring 3I supports a key block 33. Each key block 33 normally rests against the side of a rod I5', as illustrated in Fig. '7. However, when the rod I6 is fully extended the key block 33 rides down the tapered side portion Iab of the recessed portion Ilia and engages the shoulder ISaa as illustrated in Fig. 8 locking the rod against further extension.

Each nut I3' is provided with an opening 34 in its end wall which is aligned with an aperture 35 in the key block 33. The arrangement is such that an implement such as a nail may be nserted through the slot 34 and into the aperture 35 and then the key block 33 may be moved outwards against the action of the spring 3| to free the rod I6. Then the rod IB' is free to be completely disengaged from the tube II. When the parts are in the position illustrated in Fig. 8, the rod I6' is free to be moved inwards. It is only locked against outward extension.

A ball bearing 4U is fixedly mounted upon the rod 23 near the handle end 25. This ball bearing comprises an inner ball bearing race 40a, which is sweated on or in any other way nxedly attached on the rod 23, the usual ball cage and balls 4Gb, and the outer race 40o. This outer race 40o is adapted to slip into a groove 4I formed upon the inner face of the U-shaped element Mc. The groove 4I holds the ball bearing 40 from shifting laterally on the end wall I4. The U-shaped member 2i) is formed with a dovetailed groove 42 formed along the inner face of the U-shaped at the top thereof. The ends of' the groove 42 are closed with stationary blocks 43 which are frictionally engaged therein or held xedly in any other manner. A plurality of steel balls 44 extend along the complete length of the remaining portion of the groove 42. The rod 23 is adapted to rest on the balls 44 which produce an excellent bearing for the rod 23, and thus for the roll of woolen goods, or other goods 26.

The operation of the unwinding machine is as follows:

An operator may stand at the left hand side of the machine'as illustrated in Fig. 1, and may grip the handle 25 and lift the rod 23 out from the U-shaped element Mc. The rod 23 may now be swung forwards or rearwards. The U-shaped member 20 merely swivels on the stud 2l. The rod 23 may be lifted off of the unwinding machine. It may be passed through a roll of cloth. Then the roll of cloth with the rod may be engaged on the machine by dropping the remote end of the rod 23 upon the U-shaped member 20. It will strike one part or the other of the upwardly and outwardly extending top faces 20a and will slip down into the base of the U-shaped member 2D. Then the rod 23 may be moved around laterally so that the recessed portion 23a is superimposed above the U-shaped element Idc. It may then be let down into the element. The roll of cloth may now be convenientily unwound.

rThe unwinding machine may be adjusted to guide rolls of different widths merely by'loosening the wing screws 28. 'I'hen the end wall 4members I4 and I5 vmay be moved inwardsor outwards 4to adjust the width of the unwinding machine to the desired width. The screws 28 are then retightened to hold the new adjustment.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications corning within the scope of the inventionas dened in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure b-y United States Letters Patent is:

'1. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for `resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them iixedly relative to each other, end `wall members extending for-wards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer `faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said `end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally and swivelly mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, and a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts.

2. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table, or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the' outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end .f

wall members, a U-shaped member centrally mounted on the tcp of the other of said end wall members, and a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, said side supports being provided with -feet on which the unwinding machine may rest on said counter, table or the like.

3. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on -a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between saidside supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of theouter yfaces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped-element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, and a rod for 'supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, said side supports being provided with feet on which the unwinding machine may rest on said counter, table or the like, one of said end wall members being provided with similar feet to assist in supporting the unwinding machine.

4. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter,

table or the -like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports Afor holding them fixedly relative to each other, end wallimembers extending forwards and rear- Wards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of-said side supports, connector rods mounted on .said end wall members and slidably engaging in 'said tubes yfor movably connecting the end wall members with said-side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the "top of one of said end wall members, a LLI-shaped member centrally mounted on rthe top of .the other of said end wall members, and a vrod for supporting a roll .of cloth rested across `said U-shaped parts, the end of said tubes being engaged through said side supports, and nuts 'being lthreadedly -mounted upon said end `portionsand engaging-opposite faces of said side supports .for 'connecting 4these parts together.

5. An u-nwinding machine, comprising a pair or spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the Ilike .and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted vbetween said lside supports for holding them xedly relative to -ea-ch other,

`end -walll members extending forwards and rearwards and l:disposed outwards of the outer faces c'f said side supports, connector rods mounted on 'said lend wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for -movably connecting the end wall 'members with said side supports, a U-shaped element cent-rally on the top of one of said end wall members, `a U-shaped member centrally mounted-on Ithe -top of the other of said end wall members, and a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said vU-shaped parts, said connector rodsjbe'ing engaged'through openings in said end wal-l members, and nuts being threadedly mounted upon the end portions of said rods for securing these partsjtogether.

`6. An unwinding machine, comprisingk a pair of spaced vside supports for. resting on a counter, table or the like and having'semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said .side vsupports .for holding them xedly .relative to each other, Yend .wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted .on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes ,for movably .connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U,- shaped element centrally `on .the .top of one of said .end wall members, ,a .U shaped member centrally and swivelly rmounted on the top of the other of said end wal-l members, `and a rod for .supporting a roll of cloth `rested across said U- .shaped parts, said U-shaped elements being integral with .its associated end wall member.

'7. An unwinding machine, 4comprising a pair of .spaced `side supports for resting on a counter, table .or 'the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes :mounted ybetween said .side Supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards :and disposed outwards of the outer faces 'of said .side supports, connector rods mounted on `said end wall members and slidably engaging lin said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped lelement centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a lVJ-shaped member centrally and swivelly mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, and a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, said -U-shaped member having a stud engaging .through an -oiTset top portion of the associated end wall member by which the U-shapedmember is swivelly mounted.

8. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end Wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally and swivelly mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, and a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, said U-shaped member being provided with upwardly and outwardly extending top faces on the tops of the arms thereof for guiding the end of said rod into position between the arms of the U- shaped member.

9. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end Wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, and means for fixedly holding said connector rods in various positions ex-` tending from said tubes.

10. An unwinding machine comprising a pair of spaced side supports for restingr on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally mounted on the top of the other of said end table or the like and having semi-annular topedges, tubes mounted between said side supports' for holding them Xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted onA said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally:

mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, a rod for supporting la roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, and means for holding said connector rods in their fully extended positions from disengaging said side supports.

12. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped elements centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, `a U-sh'aped member centrally mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, and means for holding said connector rods in their fully extended positions from disengaging said side supports, comprising key blocks resiliently urged against the sides of said connector rods, and recessed portions upon the inner ends of said connector rods and into which said key blocks may be engaged, said recessed portions having right angle shoulders engageable with the key blocks to prevent further extension of the connector rods and having the tapered portions adapted to cam out the key blocks when the connector rods are forced inwards.

13. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them fixedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally and swivelly mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, a ball bearing xedly mounted on said rod and removably engaged in a groove formed along the inner face of said U-shaped element, said U-shaped member having its inner face formed with a groove, and ball bearings mounted along said latter groove to provide a bearing for said rod.

14. An unwinding machine, comprising a pair of spaced side supports for resting on a counter, table or the like and having semi-annular top edges, tubes mounted between said side supports for holding them xedly relative to each other, end wall members extending forwards and rearwards and disposed outwards of the outer faces of said side supports, connector rods mounted on said end wall members and slidably engaging in said tubes for movably connecting the end wall members with said side supports, a U-shaped element centrally on the top of one of said end wall members, a U-shaped member centrally and swivelly mounted on the top of the other of said end wall members, a rod for supporting a roll of cloth rested across said U-shaped parts, and ball bearings for said rod mounted on said U-shaped parts.

HERMAN WALTER GILBERT. 

